The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, is being challenged for the leadership by senior cabinet minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Mr Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited Mr Abbot's office to request a ballot for leader of the Liberal Party.
Australia's Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks at a press conference in Sydney on September 24, 2013.
Mr Turnbull, who has resigned as Communications Minister, told a press conference in Canberra: "A little while ago I met with the prime minister and advised him that I would be challenging him for the leadership of the Liberal Party, and I asked him to arrange or facilitate a meeting of the party room to enable a leadership ballot to be held.
“This is not a decision that anyone could take lightly.
"It is clear enough that the government is not successful in providing the economic leadership that we need."
In his speech, Mr Turnbull outlined how he would differ from Mr Abbot as prime minister, by providing stronger economic leadership and open and accountable government. He also said he will value input from all quarters and move the debate towards "advocacy, not slogans".
The prime minister has said there will be a ballot tonight.
He said: "Australia needs strong government and that means avoiding all costs Labor’s revolving-door prime ministership.
"You can trust me to deliver a stronger economy and a safer community.
"The prime ministership of this country is not a prize or a plaything to be demanded. It should be something which is earned by a vote of the Australian people."
This article will be updated shortly
